Method and apparatus for dispensing fluids
US6478547B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/551
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for dispensing a precise amount of a fluid utilizing a rolling membrane pumping system is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the method comprises calculating an amount by which to change a dispense based at least in part on a predicted membrane flex if a particular dispense is other than a first dispense, wherein said predicted membrane flex is based at least in part on a maximum pump chamber pressure during the first dispense; calculating an amount by which to change a dispense based at least in part on a shape of the membrane if a particular dispense is a first dispense; moving a piston in the pumping system based at least in part on the calculated amount; opening an output valve of the pumping system; monitoring the pump chamber pressure to detect a sudden decrease in said pump chamber pressure to signal a mechanical failure in the pumping system; and determining a maximum pressure in the pump chamber during the movement of the piston.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.